5 Things to Make with Newspapers

Millions of Americans are subscribed to at least one newspaper. After all, for a busy American the morning coffee just isn't the same without reading the morning's top headlines. Many Americans also recycle newspapers by putting them in the recycle bin before garbage day. While this is a great way to help the earth, it is also a huge waste of crafting material.

While sending recyclables out to be remade is better than nothing, sometimes the process still requires more energy and resources to perform. An even better to recycle would be to repurpose these newspapers (or any recyclable for that matter) into your life for just a little longer.

Recyclables usually make great toys for kids and pave the way for an afternoon of fun family crafting. Below you will find some great ways to repurpose your newspaper stash for just a little longer.

Things to Make with Newspapers #1: Make a hat.

Newspaper hats have always been a favorite of children. I remember making them in my kindergarten class all the time. The fact of the matter is that paper hats are a great way to keep kinds entertained for a while. They can decorate them, embellish them with paint, glue on some rhinestones, or just fold them into different designs. Before you know it you will have little pirates and princesses running around the house. For a tutorial on the classic newspaper hat visit Crafting a Green World.

Things to make with Newspapers #2: Shipping material.

Ok, so maybe shipping material in itself may not be a craft. However, for those of you who sell your crafts on websites like Etsy, shipping material is an absolute must. In other words, save those newspapers to keep your crafts safe from travel.

Things to Make with Newspapers #3: Make banners for special occasions.

Is your child going back to school? Got an anniversary coming up? What about a surprise birthday party? Instead of going out and buying a banner, make it out of newspaper. This is both an ecological and economical craft that is perfect for any occasion. For a tutorial visit Maya Made.

Things to Make with Newspapers #4: Piñata.

Nothing says party like a piñata! A store bought piñata could easily cost you about $25 dollars. Meanwhile, making your own newspaper piñata will cost you about 50 cents. All you need is a ballon, some newspaper, Elmer's glue, and some tempera paint. For a great tutorial on how to make a Hello Kitty piñata visit Ikat Bag.

Things to Make with Newspapers #5: Newspaper roses.

If you need a centerpiece that will give the room a touch of elegance, try making newspaper roses. While the end result looks modern and industrial, it still gives a room a touch of class. Best of all they are much cheaper and last longer than real roses. For a tutorial visit Zakka Life.

The next time you find yourself with a stack of newspapers, take some inventory and see if you can use them for some crafting. This will help you reuse before you recycle, thus giving newspapers a little extra life and helping the planet at the same time.

Sources:

Crafting a Green World

Classic Newspaper Hat Tutorial

Maya Made

Ikat Bag

Zakka Life